Aquarium light fixture with hinge

ABSTRACT

A lighting apparatus that may be utilized with an aquarium having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of the aquarium for various purposes such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises a plurality of panels; a joint that joins at least two adjacent panels together; and a lighting element disposed on the aquarium lighting apparatus such that the lighting element illuminates a side common to all of the panels. For some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/760,398, filed Apr. 14, 2010, issued onJan. 24, 2012, as U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,087, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to lighting apparatus and, moreparticularly, some embodiments are directed toward lighting apparatusused in conjunction with aquariums.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Conventional aquarium light fixtures are generally composed of a shadedlamp affixed above the opening of an aquarium. In order to attach thefixture to the aquarium, typical methods include placing the fixtureover the aquarium whereby the entire aquarium opening is covered, andusing rods/legs that extend out from the fixture and attach to the topof the sidewalls of the aquarium. These rods/legs elevate the lightfixture above the aquarium opening and allow the rod/legs to clamp ontothe aquarium. Yet other methods of attachment include custom orderedaquarium light fixtures that are made to order based on the specificsize of the aquarium's opening.

However, these light fixtures with conventional attachment methods leadto reduced access to the aquarium opening. Light fixtures such as theseusually require removal of some or all of the light fixture before theaquarium can be accessed for service or cleaning. In addition, lightfixtures that use attachment methods involving rods/legs may result indamage to the aquarium, or encounter problems fitting the aquarium dueto the incompatibility of the fixture with the aquarium.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lightingapparatus that may be utilized with aquariums. The features andfunctionality of some of these embodiments enable a person to easilyaccess the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaningand maintenance. Additionally, for some embodiments, features of thepresent invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate theaquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.Though the present invention is described within the context ofaquariums, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat various embodiments of the present invention may also be utilizedin applications other than aquariums, such as in the field ofhorticulture.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatuscomprises a plurality of substantially flat panels, wherein a panelwithin the plurality of panels is substantially transparent andcomprises an edge; a joint that connects at least two adjacent panelstogether; and a lighting element disposed along the edge of the panelsuch that the lighting element causes the panel to illuminate. In somesuch embodiments, the panel further comprises a first side and a secondside, wherein the lighting element is disposed along the edge of thepanel such that the lighting element illuminates the first side of thepanel more than the second side of the panel. In other such embodiments,the panel further comprise a first side and a second side, the lightingelement is disposed along the edge of the panel such that the lightingelement is angled toward the first side of the panel.

The lighting element in some embodiments may be embedded in the edge ofthe panel, while in other embodiments the lighting element is simplyremovably attached to the edge of the panel, thereby allowing for easyreplacement and maintenance of the lighting element. Additionally, thepanel in some embodiments further comprises an optical elementconfigured to direct light emitted from the lighting element toward thefirst side of the panel. For example, an optical element such as a lens,a waveguide, a diffuser, a diffractor, or a mirror, may be embedded intothe panel to direct light to a predetermined location or in apredetermined fashion (e.g., 45-degree angle).

For some embodiments, the lighting apparatus is configured to be placedover an opening (e.g., an aquarium opening) such that the apparatusprovides illumination for the aquarium while providing closure for theopening. Further, the light apparatus may be configured to allow atleast one of its panels to be (1) lifted from a closed position to anopen position, thereby allowing access through the opening, and (2)lowered from an open position to a closed position, thereby closingaccess through the opening.

Additionally, for various embodiments, a joint may be configured with aresilient element that assists in pivoting an attached panel about thejoint. In doing so, the resilient element facilitates the lifting andlowering of the panels in accordance with the invention. In furtherembodiments, a one of the panels is attached to an aquarium via a joint.Such embodiments allow the entire lighting apparatus to be lifted anddisplaced with respect to the aquarium opening, as opposed to justspecific panels.

In some embodiments, the joint utilized is a hinged joint, while inother embodiments the joint comprises a plastic joint. Optionally, insome embodiments, the joint is removable from at least one of thepanels, thereby allowing one to remove, repair or replace either thepanels or the joint. Depending on the embodiment, at least one of thepanels may be constructed of glass, aluminum, or plastic.

In other embodiments, the panels are configured to be substantially flaton at least one side common to all the panels. In further embodiments,the panels are sufficiently flat on at least one side common to all thepanels such that the panels sit substantially flush with an opening(e.g. aquarium opening). In doing so, such embodiments can limit theamount water that evaporates from the aquarium over a given period.

In some embodiments, the lighting element itself may comprise a strip oflighting elements. For example, the strip of lights may be a series oflighting elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on aprinted circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, this PCB may befurther covered by an epoxy to result in a low profile discrete strip oflights. Depending on the embodiment, the strip of lighting elements maybe embedded into the panel or attached to the panel by way of means forremovably attaching strip of lighting elements to a panel. For example,with respect to embedding the light strips in the panel, a printedcircuit board (PCB) disposed with lighting elements (e.g., LEDs) may bemolded into an acrylic panel or, alternatively, may be placed betweentwo acrylic pieces that clam shell together to contain the PCB and formthe acrylic panel.

With respect to the means for removably attaching the strip of lightelements to a panel, an embodiment may utilize, for example, a panelcomprising a track, adhesive, clips, magnets, or some other mountingmechanism to removably attach a strip of lighting elements to the panel.For example, a track may be molded into a panel such that a strip oflighting elements can be slid in our out of the track. Such a featureallows easy maintenance and replacement of a strip of lighting elements.Additionally, in further embodiments, the lighting apparatus furthercomprises means for connecting a plurality of lighting element strips inparallel. For example, a lighting apparatus may comprise a channelwithin the panel which allows for parallel connection of lightingelement strips. In another example, a lighting apparatus may comprise aconnector integrated into the panel that allows for parallel connectionof strips of lighting elements.

Depending on the embodiment, the lighting elements utilized may includelight emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs),xenon bulbs, halogen bulbs, and electroluminescent (EL) light source(e.g., an EL panel or film). In certain settings (e.g., aquarium), theselighting elements may optionally be covered by a water resistant coatingor covering that protects the lighting elements exposure to moisture.Other embodiments may utilize panels comprising two or more sub-panels.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the featuresin accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely bythe claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. Thesedrawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of theinvention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, orapplicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity andease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments ofthe invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanyingdescriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side”views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply orrequire that the invention be implemented or used in a particularspatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example lighting apparatus inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the example lighting apparatus FIG. 1A in theclosed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the example lighting apparatus of FIG. 1A inthe open position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example lighting apparatus in theclosed position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, usedin conjunction with an example aquarium.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the example lighting apparatus of FIG.2A in the open position in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention, used in conjunction with an example aquarium.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example lighting apparatus with a lightingelement disposed on the joint in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4A is a side view of an example lighting apparatus with lightingelements disposed on the panels in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the example lighting apparatus of FIG. 4Awith an array of lighting elements disposed on the panels in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example lighting apparatus comprisingoptical elements in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an example lighting apparatus comprisingembedded light elements in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventionto the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that theinvention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and thatthe invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward lighting apparatuses comprisinga plurality of panels; a joint that join at least two of the panelstogether; and a lighting element disposed on the aquarium lightingapparatus such that the lighting element illuminates a side common toall of the panels. According to some embodiments, features of thepresent invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate theaquarium and allow easy access to the opening of an aquarium, whilelimiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one example lighting apparatus 105 inaccordance with one aspect of the invention. As illustrated, lightingapparatus 105 comprises two panels 108 separated by a plastic hinge 111that facilitates the movement of one of the panels 108 from the closedposition (FIG. 1B) to an open position (FIG. 1C), and vice versa. Inaddition, panels 108 as depicted are substantially flat, therebyallowing apparatus 105 to sit flush with respect the opening when thepanels 108 are in closed position. The panels 108 may be constructedfrom a variety of materials including, but not limited to, glass,plastic, and metal.

Optionally, in some embodiments, a variety of joint types can beutilized in place of or in addition to plastic hinge 111. For example,in place of plastic hinge 111, a series of metal joints may be utilizedto join panels 108 together and facilitate the opening/closing movementof the panels. In further embodiments, the joint may be removable fromthe panels such that the panels, the joints, or both can be repaired orreplaced. Additionally, some embodiments may have a joint that isconfigured with a resilient element (e.g., spring) such that theresilient element assists in pivoting an attached panel about the joint.In doing so, the resilient element assists in displacing a panel fromthe closed position to the open position, and vice versa.

In order to better illustrate the use of an embodiment in the openposition and closed position, FIGS. 2A and 2B provides an examplelighting apparatus 211 in use with an example aquarium 208. Turning nowto FIG. 2A, configuration 205 illustrates a lighting apparatus 211 inthe closed position used in conjunction with an aquarium 208.Specifically, lighting apparatus 211 is configured over an opening ofaquarium 208 such that lighting apparatus 211, which is depicted in theclosed position, restricts access to the opening. As a result, apparatus211 not only prevents objects from inadvertently falling into theaquarium 208, but also limits the amount of water evaporation thatoccurs from the aquarium 208. Referring now to FIG. 2B, configuration206 illustrates the lighting apparatus 211 in the open position. Asillustrated, apparatus 211 in the open position allows access throughthe opening of aquarium 208.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example lighting apparatus 305 in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. Similar to lighting apparatus 105,apparatus 305 comprises a plastic hinge 308 that joins panels 311 andfacilitates their open/close movement. However, unlike apparatus 105,plastic hinge 308 is additionally configured with a lighting element314, which provides illumination through the opening the apparatuscovers. By way of example, the lighting element may comprise, withoutlimitation, a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emittingdiode (OLED), a xenon bulb, a halogen bulb, or an electroluminescentlight (EL) source (e.g., EL panel or film). Additionally, lightingelement 314 may be configured with a covering that protects it from bothinadvertent physical contact and moisture (e.g., water from theaquarium, condensation). As shown, a single lighting element 314 isdisposed on plastic hinge 308 such that lighting element 314 illuminatesa side common to panels 311.

FIG. 4A depicts an example lighting apparatus 405 with a plurality oflighting elements 414 disposed on panels 411. Similar to lightingapparatus 305, apparatus 405 also comprises a plastic hinge 408, panels411, and lighting elements 414, which illuminate a side common to panels411. In the illustrated embodiment, lighting elements 414 are disposedon panels 414. In other embodiments, lighting elements 414 may bepartially or fully embedded within panels 411. Furthermore, lightingelements 414 may be laminated in between sub-panels that form panels411. Referring now to FIG. 4B, a bottom view of lighting apparatus 405is provided illustrating how lighting elements 414 may be arranged uponpanels 411.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example lighting apparatus 500comprising optical elements 509, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 503 are joinedtogether by a plastic hinge 506 that facilitates the movement of one ofthe panels 503 from the closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 1B) to an openposition (see, e.g., FIG. 1C), and vice versa. Additionally, the panels503 are equipped with waveguides 509 (e.g., optical fiber), which areconfigured to direct light emitted by a lighting element (not shown)attached to the edge 510 of the panel to a predetermined location on aside of the panel 503. For example, in embodiments wherein the panelsare equipped with optical fiber, such fiber could be disposed within thepanel such that light emitted along the edge of the panel is directed tolocations along the side of the panel (similar to the lighting elementsillustrated in FIG. 4B).

One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that other embodimentsmay utilize, and possible embed, other types of optical elements todirect light emitted along the edge of a panel to locations along theside of a panel, without departing from the scope of the invention. Forexample, a diffuser may be embedded along the edge of a panel to producediffused light along the edge of the panel and on the sides of thepanel. Additionally, in embodiments where the light element is disposedalong the side of a panel (or embedded within a panel), optical elementsmay be disposed in close proximity to the light element to direct thelight in a predetermined manner. For example, a diffuser or a lens maybe disposed along the side of a panel in close proximity to a lightingelement, in order to diffuse or focus the light in a predeterminedmanner.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an example lighting apparatus 600 comprisingembedded light elements 609 in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. The apparatus 600 comprises panels 603, a joint 606 thatconnects the panels 603, and lighting elements embedded along the edgeof the panels 603. In alternative embodiments, apparatus 600 may befurther augmented with optical elements, such as those described herein,which direct the light to predetermined locations along the side of thepanel.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams maydepict an example architectural or other configuration for theinvention, which is done to aid in understanding the features andfunctionality that can be included in the invention. The invention isnot restricted to the illustrated example architectures orconfigurations, but the desired features can be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implementedto implement the desired features of the present invention. In addition,a multitude of different constituent module names other than thosedepicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally,with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and methodclaims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall notmandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recitedfunctionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read asrequiring that each and every one of those items be present in thegrouping, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly statedotherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or”should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, butrather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of theinvention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural iscontemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to thesingular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedin multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aquarium lighting apparatus, comprising: aplurality of substantially flat panels, wherein a panel within theplurality of panels is substantially transparent and comprises an edge;a joint connecting the substantially transparent panel and at least oneadjacent panel together; and a lighting element disposed along the edgeof the substantially transparent panel such that the lighting elementcauses the substantially transparent panel to illuminate; wherein thelighting element comprises a strip of light emitting diodes disposed ona printed circuit board: wherein the lighting element is embedded in theedge of the substantially transparent panel.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the substantially transparent panel further comprises a firstside and a second side, and wherein the lighting element is disposedalong the edge of the panel such that the lighting element illuminatesthe first side of the panel more than the second side of the panel. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent panelfurther comprises a first side and a second side, and an optical elementconfigured to direct light emitted from the lighting element toward thefirst side of the panel.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesubstantially transparent panel further comprises an optical element,wherein the optical element is a lens, a waveguide, a diffuser, adiffractor, or a mirror.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesubstantially transparent panel comprises a plurality of sub-panels. 6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the joint couples the apparatus to anaquarium.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the joint is configuredwith a resilient element that assists in pivoting the substantiallytransparent panel or an adjacent panel about the joint.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the joint is a hinged joint.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the joint is a plastic joint.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein at least two panels of the plurality of panels aresufficiently flat on a common side such that the panels sitsubstantially flush with an opening of an aquarium.